The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) has announced their return to play Game Plan that outlines timelines, protocols, and procedures for the 2020-21 season.

Made in alignment with Hockey Canada’s Safety Guidelines and the Ontario government’s COVID-19 Return to Sport Guidelines, the GTHL’s Game Plan framework was formulated with expert advice from leading pediatric infectious disease specialists at the Hospital for Sick Children as well as Toronto Public Health. The framework aims to give GTHL players the opportunity to get back on the ice in a safe, fun, and secure environment while minimizing the risk of infection.

The Game Plan provides players, parents, coaches, and GTHL stakeholders with insight into what the 2020-21 GTHL could look like, accompanied by potential timelines. Players can start to register for hockey beginning September 7, 2020 through a paper team selection process. No in-person tryouts will be held this season. Teams can take to the ice beginning October 7, 2020 (subject to change) for small scrimmages and team training. It is expected the earliest players will resume regular League competition is December 1, 2020.

Every GTHL team will be required to appoint a Team Safety Rep who will undergo training and oversee COVID-19 screening procedures for each participant prior to partaking in team activities.  Guidelines and checklists for COVID-19 screening procedures are included in the Game Plan.

The GTHL will not be collecting Team Entry Fees or Player Registration Fees until regular play resumes within the “Overtime” portion of the framework. The only fee currently being collected by the GTHL will be $40.11 per participant, of which, $8.50 is retained by the GTHL. The remaining amount goes towards the Hockey Canada Assessment and Insurance and OHF Assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), as well as resources for returning to the ice, can be found on the GTHL’s Return to Hockey page which will be updated frequently. The Game Plan is subject to change as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve in the province.

Click here to view the Game Plan framework.

About the Greater Toronto Hockey League

Founded in 1911, the GTHL is a non-profit organization and the largest minor hockey league in the world. The GTHL registers more than 40,000 annual participants in Mississauga, Toronto, Markham and Vaughan. The purpose of the GTHL is to govern organized hockey for youth within its jurisdiction, and to foster the development of good character, citizenship and sportsmanship.

For more information, please contact:
Brian Kyla-Lassila
Manager Membership Services
Greater Toronto Hockey League
bkyla@gthlcanada.com